Circuit breaker



Jan. 12,1937. C.REHER CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed Dec. 18, 1934 4Sheets-Sheef 1 Vl SYQi/S INVENTOR Car/ k h her.

Jan. 12, 1937. c. REHER CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed Dec. 18, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 017 de ve/ INVENTOR Car/ Eeher.

WITNESSES:

ATTORNE Jan. 12, 1937. REHER 2,067,648

. c I R C U I T B R E A K E R eeeeeeeeeeee t3 Jan. 12, 1937. c. REHER CIRCUIT BREAKER 'Filed Dec. 18, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOQ Car/ Eehefi BY ATTORN Patented Jan. 12, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CIRCUIT BREAKER of Pennsylvania Application December 18, 1934, Serial No. 758,061

Germany December 23, 1933 12 Claims.

My invention relates to circuit interrupters and particularly to high capacity circuit breakers of the type which utilize a flowing stream or jet ofarc extinguishing fluid for extinguishing the are formed incident tov the operation thereof.

As is well known in the art, there is a constantly increasing tendency on the part of electrical power companies to interconnect their distribution systems into large networks. While this practice eifects substantial operating econ-' omies, it greatly complicates the problem of providing satisfactory circuit interrupting devices for usein these network systems. To adequately protect the connected equipment and to assure system stability, the breaker or other device must be capable of interrupting very large amounts of power within extremely short intervals of time. Despite this, however, large numbers of interrupters are required on even a small system, and if any structure is to be commercially successful, it must be comparatively low in cost.

Investigations have shown that in the present state of the art the problem of providing satisfactory circuit breakers for the service has resolved itself, primarily, into a study of means for improving the arc extinguishing devices used with these circuit breakers. The principal object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide an improved arc extinguishing structure which shall be less expensive to manufacture and more eflicientin operation than the devices pre viously known in the art.

The extensive studies made in the past of the problem of arc extinction have indicated that the most rapid and the most eflicient extinction of an electrical arc may be accomplished by subjecting that are to a blast or flowing stream of an arc extinguishing fluid, having its direction of flow transverse to the normal axis of the arc. It also appears from these studies that the degree of turbulence which is produced when the stream of arc extinguishing gas contacts the arc has a great influence upon the eiiiciency of the resulting arc extinguishing operation.

In view of this, a further object of the present invention is the provision of means for securing increased turbulence, adjacent the arc path, in arc extinguishing devices which utilize a stream or jet of arc extinguishing fluid, flowing transversely to the normal axis of the arc, for effecting arc extinction. This object is accomplished in the preferred embodiment of my invention, through the provision of means for subjecting the arc to a plurality of transversely flowing streams of arc extinguishing gas having difiering directions of flow. This arrangement effects a much more efiicient intermixing of the arc extinguishing fluid with the arc during each circuit opening operation, and thereby makes possible the improved operation of the present invention. v

Another object of my invention is to provide means for so controlling the speed of flow in arc extinguishing devices of the type discussed above that the most efficient intermingling of the are 10 with the arc extinguishing fluid shall be effected.

An ancillary object of my invention is to provide a simple structure which may be readily manufactured from inexpensive mechanical parts for carrying out the above-mentioned objects.

The invention is applicable to are extinguishing devices which utilize an arc extinguishing fluid in either the liquid or the gaseous state. Likewise, the invention is applicable to moderate and low capacity circuit breakers as well as to high capacity devices.

In the following description of certain preferred embodiments of my invention, I have pointed out the manner in which the principles discussed above may be applied to circuit breakers of both the gaseous and the liquid type. It is to be understood, however, that no limitations in the scope of the invention are intended thereby. Referring particularly to the drawings:

Figure 1 is an end elevational view of a circuit breaker utilizing an arc extinguishing device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional View through the arc extinguishing structure of the circuit breaker shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line III--III of Fi 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of the arc extinguishing structure illustrated particularly in Figs. 2 and 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view through an are extinguishing structure, constructed according to the present invention, which is particularly designed for use with a liquid type circuit breaker.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line VI-VI of Fig. 5.

Figs. 7 through 10, inclusive, are reduced plan views of the various plate elements utilized in building up the arc extinguishing devices illustrated in Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a modified form of arc extinguishing structure somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view on the line XIIXII of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view on the line XIII- XIII of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a reduced plan view of one of the plate elements utilized in building up the are extinguishing structures shown in Figs. 11 through 13. a

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the relative position of the are and the several flowing streams of arc extinguishing fluid in an arc extinguishing device similar to that shown in Figs. 1 through 4.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, illustrating the eflect of the flowing streams of arc extinguishing gas on the are during the progress of the arc extinguishing operation. The view illustrates conditions at a time subsequent to that shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view, similar to Figs. 15 and 16 showing the relative distribution of the streams of arc extinguishing gas and the arc in a circuit interrupting device similar to that illustrated in Figs. 11, 12, and 13.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view, similar to Figs. 2 and 5, showing a third form of arc extinguishing structure constructed according to my invention, and

Figs. 19, 20, and 21 are sectional views taken, respectively, on the lines XIX-XIX, XX-XX, and XXI-XXI of Fig. 18.

While the various forms of arc extinguishing structures illustrated in the drawings diflfer somewhat in their structural details, each includes a plurality of superposed plate members which define the walls of an arc passage, means for establishing the arc incident to the opening of the associated interrupter within that passage, a quantity oi arc extinguishing fluid, and means ior causing the arc to be subjected to a plurality of transversely flowing streams of arc extinguishing fluid during the circuit opening operation, at least some of these streams flowing in different directions. In the several modifications disclosed, the means for producing the transversely flowing streams of arc extinguishing gas in different directions includes a source of pressure, a common conduit means extending through the walls of the arc passage, and suitable flow chambers connectlng at one end with the conduit means and extending transversely through the arc extinguishing structure in such manner that they include the portion of the arc passage itself.

The circuit breaker illustrated in Fig. 1 includes an L-shaped base i upon which are mounted suitable insulators 3 and 5, the lower insulator 5 serving to support the arc extinguishing structure I and the stationary contact means for cooperating with the movable contact rod 9, and

the other insulator 3 serving to support the oper ating mechanism II for the movable contact 9. Suitable terminals 13 are provided for connecting the interrupter into an electrical circuit.

A pressure cylinder l5 which contains air or some other are extinguishing gas.is supported upon the base I by a strap member 11 or othersuitable means and is connected to the lower end of the arc extinguishing structure 1 through an insulating conduit l9, as is shown particularly in Fig. 1. In order to prevent waste of this gas. an electromagnetic valve It is placed in the conduit 19 intermediate of the pressure cylinder l5 and the arc extinguishing structure I, this valve being operated through the energization of suitable means during each circuit opening operation.

The are extinguishing struct re 1 includes a plurality of similarly shaped superposed plates which are provided with cooperating cut-out portions for defining the arc passage, the conduit means for the arc extinguishing gas, and the flow chambers. The plates are assembled on four insulating tie rods 23, the lower ends 01 which engage the cap member 25 cemented to the top of the lower insulator 5. A hollow porcelain insulator 21, the upper end of which is closed by a suitable cap 29, is provided for enclosing the arc extinguishing structure so as to protect it from the weather.

The lower element in the arc extinguishing structure 1 comprises a substantially circular metallic plate 3| which has a suitable shoulder 33, formed integral therewith, for engaging the cap portion 25 of the lower insulator and four openings formed therein for allowing the passage of the arc extinguishing gas into the conduit passages 31 provided in the walls of the arc passage. A suitable hollow contact 39 of the tulip type is supported upon this lower plate member 3| for engaging the movable contact rod, and the upper end of the insulating conduit 19 leading from the arc extinguishing structure 1 to the pressure cylinder l5 engages the only other opening (41) in the central portion of the cap member 25.

The next plate (43) in the arc extinguishing structure 1 comprises a substantially circular member of insulating material having four openings for engaging the tie rods 23, four openings for defining a continuation of the conduit passages 31 formed by the openings 35 in the lower metal plate 3!, and a central opening 45 for accommodating the stationary contact 39. The remaining portion of the structure, excepting the top plate, comprises a stack of insulating plates 41, each of which is exactly similar in form. As is shown particularly in Fig. 3, each of these plates 41 comprises a substantially circular memher having four openings for engaging the tierods 23, three circular openings 49, disposed 90 degrees apart upon a common circumference for defining the conduit passages 31, and a slot opening 51 which defines one of the flow chambers in the assembled structure. The inner end of each of these slots 5| has the same outline and is positioned symmetrical with the three openings 49 which form the conduit passages 31 in the assembled structure, in order that some 01' 0 V the arc extinguishing structure adjacent the arc passage, and a plurality of transversely extending flow chambers, positioned one above the other and having their axes displaced by 90 degrees. By making the plates 4'! symmetrical, each 01 the flow chambers connects at its inner end with one'of the conduit passages 31. The upper plate 53 is solid except for a central opening 55 for permitting the passage of the contact rod therethrough and four openings for engaging the tie rods 23. It thus serves to completely close the upper end of each of the conduit passages 31 so as to assure that the arc extinguishing fluid will flow through the structure in the desired mannot during its operation.

The opposed sides of the slots I, which are displaced 90 degrees from one another, align to define the walls of an arc passage extending entirely through the arc extinguishing structure, and by virtue of the fact that each of the plates 41 closes the arc passage on two sides any substantial lateral movement of the arc within the arc passage is prevented during the normal operation of the device. Since each of the slots 5I which define the flow chambers extends entirely to the edge of the plates wherein it is formed, the assembled arc extinguishing structure has a plurality of vent openings disposed in the sides thereof. This is particularly illustrated in Fig. 4. A substantial space exists between the inner wall of the insulator 21 and the arc extinguishing structure I,

- and the cap 29 for the insulator is provided with vent openings 51 in order to allow free venting of the arc extinguishing gas during each circuit opening operation.

The operating mechanism II is not an impor tant part of my invention,.and any means whereby the contact rod 9 may be moved into and out of engagement with the stationary contact 39 may be employed.

The breaker is shown in theclosed circuit position in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. Upon the occurrence of an overload or some other condition which initiates the circuit opening operation of the contact actuating mechanism II, the contact rod 9 is moved upwardly out of engagement with the stationary contact 39 and the resultant arc is established within the arc pasage formed by thesides of the slots 5| which define the flow chambers within the arc extinguishing structure I. Simultaneously with the upward movement of the contact, the electromagnetic valve 2| is operated, by any suitable means, so as to cause the arc extinguishing fluid contained within the pressure cylinder I5 to flow through the conduit I9 and into the four conduit passages 31 extending through the arc extinguishing structure I. The only way that this gas can vent is through the flow chambers which are defined by the slots 5| in the superposed plates 41, and as a result, the arc is I subjected to a plurality of separate, superposed flowing streams of arc extinguishing gas, each of which flows transversely through the arc passage and each of which flows in a direction different by 90 degrees from the direction of flow through the adjacent flow chambers. The gas flowing through each of the flow chambers comes directly from the source of supply of the arc extinguishing fluid and is thus in an unionized condition, which is to say that it is in that condition which is most effective for accomplishing are extinction. Further, the fact that the different portions of the are are subjected to streams of arc extinguishing fluid which flow in different directions assures an extremely turbulent intermixing of the arc extinguishing gas with the arc itself. The obvious result is to produce a rapid and efficient extinction of the arc, usually at the next zero point in the current wave.

The action ofthe arc extinguishing fluid is particularly clearly illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. The first of these figures illustrates the conditions in the arc passage immediately following the establishing of the arc therein. The arrowsindicate the direction of flow in alternate flow chambers in the plane of the drawings and the dots and crosses indicate the two directions of flow in the other chambers normal to the plane of the drawings. Shortly after the establishment of the arc and the conditions illustrated in Fig. 15,

the flowing streams of arc extinguishing gas cause the arc to take the substantial form shown in Fig. 16. The-arc takes on a rather complex shape during the progress of the arc extinguishing operation and the turbulent action of the flowing streams of arc extinguishing gas is aided by a lengthening of the arc which results from the fact that every other stream flows in an opposite direction.

The two modified structures illustrated in the other figures of the drawings operate in substan tially the same manner as the embodiment just described. These structures, however, are intended particularly for use with circuit breakers utilizing anarc extinguishing fluid of theliquid type. Both of the modified structures are immersed in oil or other are extinguishing liquid and utilize a secondary are, established simultaneously with or prior to the establishment of the main arc as a source of pressure for moving the arc extinguishing fluid through an arc passage proper.

Referring particularly to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the arc extinguishing device therein illus trated comprises a plurality of superposed plates which are so shaped that they form, in the assembled structure, an arc passage I5, a conduit means 'II through which the arc extinguishing fluid is caused to flow, and a plurality of flow chambers for causing separate quantities of the arc extinguishing fluid to flow transversely through the arc passage in different directions. The assembled plate structure is aifixed to a hollow casting I9 having the form of two enclosed pressure chambers, each open at the lower end and connecting one with the other through suitable openings 8| formed in the inner wall thereof.

A movable contact member 83 is slidably supported upon a pin 85 which extends through a suitable opening in the upper portion of the casting I9 and the entire casting is adapted to be affixed to and supported upon the central conductor 81 of an insulator or similar means. The contact member 83 is movable downwardly under the influence of a biasing spring 89, a limited amount, this amount of this movement being defined by an enlargement 9| on the head of the pin, and the electrical circuit from the contact 83 and its support pin 85 to the casting I9 is defined by a flexible shunt 93, one end of which is bolted to the pin and the other end of which is bolted to the casing.

The lower end of each of the two pressure chambers 95 and 91, formed within the hollow casting I9, is closed by the top plate 99, shown particularly in Fig. 7, of the arc extinguishing device. This plate 99 has a circular opening IM disposed in the left hand portion thereof for slidably supporting an intermediate contact member I93 which cooperates with the contact 83 to form an are within the smaller pressure chamber 95 during the operation of the arc extinguishing device, this are being utilized as a source of pressure for moving the arc extinguishing fluid through the flow chambers formed in that structure. The amount of possible movement of this intermediate contact member I93 is defined by an enlarged annular portion I95 formed integral therewith, andit is biased away from the upper contact 93 by a suitable leaf spring I01. The upper plate 99 is also provided with an arcuate opening I09 which is adapted to serve as a portion of the conduit means which connects the second pressure chamber 91 with the flow chambers formed in the lower portion of the extinguishing structure. The

I movement until the enlarged head 9I on the guide remainder of the conduit means is defined by similar cut-out portions III formed in the other plates, these portions aligning with each other in the assembled structure.

The plate II3 which is disposed immediately beneath the upper plate 39 is shown in Fig. 8. It will be seen that this plate includes a slot portion II extending from the inner conduit defining portion III directly outward, this slot forming the uppermost flow chamber within the arc extinguishing structure. The next plate (II 1) in the stack structure is shown in Fig. 9, and it will be seen that the slot I I9 which defines the flow chamber in this plate is so disposed that the flow of are extinguishing fluidtherethrough is substantially at right angles to the flow in the flow chamber which is defined by the slot H5 formed in the adjacent upper plate 99. The fourth plate in the stack structure comprises a second plate I II but this plate is so positioned in the stack structure that the flow chamber formed by the slot II9 existing therein vents on the opposite side to the flow chamber formed in the first plate I IT.

A second plate I I3 is disposed immediately beneath-the lower plate Ill and the bottom plate I2I, which is shown particularly in Fig. 10, is positioned therebeneath. The bottom plate I2I is provided with a cylindrical opening I23 for deflning continuance of the arc passage which is defined by the sides of the flow chamber slots H5 and H9 but is otherwise substantially closed, thus assuring that the arc extinguishing fluid will be caused to flow through the several flow chambers during each circuit opening operation of the device.

Each of the plate members is provided with seven openings disposed adjacent the edge portious thereof for engaging the insulating rod members I25 which serve to hold the plates together and to aflix the plate structure to the casting I9. The tie members I25 ,are, of course, of suflicient strength.to resist considerable internal pressure and to hold the plates together during the arc extinguishing operation.

The device is shown in the closed circuit position in Figs. 5 and 6. During each opening operation, the bridging member I21 and the movable contact rod I29 supported thereon is moved downwardly. The upper contact 83 follows this pin 35 therefor engages the upper surface of the casting I9, at which time further downward movement'is prevented. The intermediate contact I93, however follows the rod contact downwardly, being biased into engagement therewith by the leaf spring IUI, until the enlarged edge portion I95 thereof engages the upper surface of the top plate 99 of the arc extinguishing structure. A relatively short arc is thus established within the inner pressure chamber 95, shortly after the initiation of the circuit opening operation, and as soon as the downward movement of the intermediate contact ceases, an arc is drawn within the arc passage formed within the arc extinguishing structure proper.

The arc formed between the upper and the intermediate contacts volatilizes the arc extinguishing liquid contained within the inner pressure chamber 95 and thereby produces a pressure which forces the arc extinguishing liquid contained in the second pressure chamber 9'! to move into the conduit passage I'I existing within the arc extinguishing structure and thence into the several flow chambers. As a result the are is subjected to a plurality of transversely flowing streams of arc extinguishing liquid, each flowing in a direction differing by 90 degrees from the adjacent streams, exactly as in the previously described embodiment.

The flowing streams of arc extinguishing liquid intimately contact and turbulently intermix with the arc so as to effect its extinguishment within a very short interval of time. The upper arc, which is the source of pressure for moving the arc extinguishing fluid through the flow channels, of course, persists until the circuit through the interrupter is opened and thus assures ade quate pressure for moving the arc extinguishing fluid throughout the entire circuit opening operation.

This type of arc extinguisher is intended to be entirely submerged in a body of arc extinguishing liquid such as oil, and small openings I3I are provided for assuring that the two pressure chambers shall automatically refill themselves following each circuit opening operation. Oil is a particularly suitable arc extinguishing liquid for this type of interrupter both because of its good insulating properties and because it gasifles in the presence of an arc to produce large volumes of gas and hence considerable pressure for moving the arc extinguishing liquid through the flow chambers.

The structure shown in Figs. 11 through 13 diifers from the device shown in Figs. 5 through in two important respects. First, each of the flow chambers is separated from the adjacent flow chambers by means of a plate I33 similar to that shown in Fig. 14, this arrangement having been found capable of effecting a more eflicient utilization of the superposed flowing streams of are extinguishing liquid. And second, each of the flow chambers is provided with means for causing the rate of flow of the arc extinguishing fluid there through to be greatest adjacent the sides of the flow chamber, this being done in order to aid in maintaining the arc in the central position within the arc passage.

The entire arc extinguishing structure is built up from. plates exactly similar to those utilized in building up the device shown in Figs. 5 and 6 with the addition that each of the plates having a flow chamber therein is followed by one of the plates I33 shown in Fig. 14, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, and the addition of dow directing members I34 disposed within each of the flow chambers. The are passage within the structure is defined by the sides of the slots H5 and II 9 forming the flow chambers, the openings IOI and I23 in the top and bottom plates and the openings I35 in the plates I33.

By interposing one of the plates I33 intermediate each of the plates defining a flow chamber, the flowing streams of arc extinguishing liquid are spaced apart a greater distance from each other than in the structure shown in Figs.

- 5 and 6 and a more efiective utilization of each of those streams is efiected. The effect of these additional plates is illustrated particularly in Fig. 17, which shows the distribution of the flowing streams of arc extinguishing fluid and the are within a device similar to that illustrated in Figs. 11, 12, and 13. This structure might properly be considered as somewhat of a refinement over that shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The use of the plates I33 aids in preventing substantial lateral movement of the arc within the arc passage and in so doing increases the effectiveness of the superposed flow streams. The throttling member I3 disposed in structure together.

each oi' the flow chambers causes the rate of flow through each of those chambers to be greatest adjacent the outer edges thereof, this-condition aiding in maintaining the arc in a central position within the arpassage and also being of value in increasing the efliciency of arc extinction by concentrating the flow stream adjacent the outer surface of the arc.

The modified form of arc extinguishing structure shown in Figs. 18 through 21 is similar to that shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, in that it is built up of a plurality of superposed plates having suitable alined openings for defining an arc passage, flow chambers, and conduit means whereby the arc extinguishing fluid is introduced into each of the flow chambers. The structure differs from that shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 in that.

an outlet conduit passage as well as an inlet conduit passage is formed within the means defining the walls of the arc passage.

Excepting the top plate 20l and the bottom plate 203, the entire structure is built up of two types of plates 205 and 201, the outlines of which are shown respectively, in Figs. 19 and 20. In the assembled device these plates are alternately disposed, so that one of the plate members 201 is interposed between each two of the flow chamber defining plate members 205, and each alternate flow chamber'defining plate 205 is inverted with respect to the two adjacent flow chamber plates 205, in order that the flow of arc extinguishing fluid through each alternate flow chamber shall be in opposite directions. This arrangement is shown particularly in Figs. 19 and 21 wherein the arrows indicate the direction of flow.

Four equally spaced openings are provided in each of the plates comprising the walls of thearc extinguishing device for engaging the insulating tie rods 209 which serve both to maintain the several plates in proper alinement and to hold the The upper plate 20! has a circular opening 2 H in the central portion thereof and is otherwise substantially solid in order that both the inlet and outlet conduit passages throughthe arc exinguishing structure shall be closed at the top. Each of the remaining plates has a pair of diametrically opposed oval shaped openings 213 which aline in the assembled structure to define the inlet and outlet conduit passages. A centrally disposed circular opening 2 IS in each of the plates 20'! aid in defining the arc passage. The flow chambers are created by connecting the oval openings 2 l3 in each of the plates 205 with a slot 2 l I, the width of which is not substantially greater at its central portion than the width of the openings 2l5 which aid in defining arc passage. Since each of the flow chamber defining plates 205 is separated from the adjacent plates 205 by one of the plates 201, shown particularly in Fig. 20, it is apparent that the arc is prevented from substantial lateral movement within the arc passage during the operation of the device.

The are extinguishing structure may be mounted on an insulator column similar to the structure shown in Fig. 1. The inlet conduit 2|9 which connects with the inlet conduit passage within the arc extinguishing structure must, of course, be disposed at one side of the support plate 22l, in order that'it shall engage the inlet conduit passage extending through the device, and an outlet conduit 223 is preferably provided for conducting the heated arc extinguishing gases away from the circuit interrupter during the oparc passage which is defined by the circular open- 1 ing's H5 in the plates 20'! and the sides of the slots 2|! which defines the several flow chambers.

Simultaneous with the establishing of the arc, the

arc extinguishing fluid is introduced into the inlet conduit 2l9 under pressure so as to cause the arc to be subjected to a plurality of superposed transversely flowing streams of arc extinl guishing fluid, the direction of flow in adjacent streams being in opposite directions. By utilizing but a single outlet conduit, the disposal of the heated arc extinguishing fluid is facilitated and increased reliability of operation is effected.

In the foregoing, I have shown how my invention, which consists, in its broadest aspects, in the provision of means whereby an arc may be subjected to the action of a plurality of spaced flowing streams of arc extinguishing fluid having differing directions of'flow, may be applied to two types of arc extinguishing devices. I have also shown how a simple plate structure may be employed for constructing an arc extinguishing device in accordance with the principles of my invention.

In addition I have disclosed certain preferred structural arrangements which are particularly suitable for carrying out the objects of my invention in a simple manner and in a comparatively inexpensiye device. In the claims which I have made to my invention, I have specified that an arc extinguishing fluid is employed for producing the flowing streams which accomplish the extinction of the are. these claims in its broadest sense and is intended to include gases, vapors, and liquids.

While, in accordance with the patent statutes, I have, in the foregoing, disclosed the structural details of certain specific embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that many of these details are merely illustrative, that variations of their precise form will be'both necessary and desirable in certain applications. I desire, therefore", that the language of the accompanying claims shall be accorded the broadest reasonable construction and that my invention shall be'limited only by what is expressly stated therein and by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a circuit interrupter, a reservoir, a quantity of a gaseous are extinguishing fluid contained within said reservoir under pressure, means for establishing an are, a plurality of separate conduits extending transversely to said arc and being vented at one end thereof only, each of said separate conduits being in separate parallel planes transverse to said are, and means for supplying the unvented end of each of said separate conduits with said are extinguishing fluid for sub jecting different portions of said are to separate, flowing streams of said are extinguishing fluid, the axesof flow of at least some of said streams being substantially at right angles to the axis of said are and being displaced, with respect to each other, through a substantial angle.

The word fluid is used in 2. In a circuit interrupter, an arc extinguishing structure including means for defining the walls of an arc passage, means for establishing the arc incident to the opening of the electrical circuit through said interrupter longitudinally within said are passage, said wall defining means having a plurality of transversely extending flow chambers formed therein, and the axes of at least some of said flow chambers being displaced, with respect to each other, through a substantial angle, each of said flow chambers being in separate parallel planes transverse to said are passage and being vented at one end thereof only, a body of arc extinguishing fluid, means for supplying the unvented end of each of said flow chambers with are extinguishing fluid from said body of are extinguishing fluid, and means for causing a separate quantity of said arc extinguishing fluid to flow through each of said flow chambers, at least during each circuit opening operation, in order that different portions of said are shall be subiected to a separate, transversely flowing stream of fresh arc extinguishing fluid during each arc extinguishing operation.

3. In a circuit interrupter, an arc extinguishing structure including means for defining the walls of an arc passage, means for establishing the arc incident to the opening of the electrical circuit through, said interrupter longitudinally within said are passage, said wall defining means including means for preventing substantial lateral movement of said are within said are passage and having a plurality of transversely flow chambers formed therein, each of said flow chambers being in separate parallel planes transverse to the longi-- tudinal axis of said are passage and being vented at one end thereof only, the axes of at least some of said flow chambers being displaced, with respect to the axes of adjacent flow chambers through a substantial angle, a body of arc extinguishing fluid, and means for causing a separate quantity of said are extinguishing fluid to flow through each of said flow chambers, at least during each circuit opening operation, separate portions of said are being thereby subjected to a separate stream of fresh arc extinguishing fluid which flows transversely through said are passage in a different direction from the stream in said adjacent flow chamber.

4. In a circuit interrupter, an arc extinguishing structure including a plurality of superposed, contiguous plate members which define the walls of an arc passage, said plate members having symmetrically disposed cut out portions for defining conduit means extending along said are passage and at least some of said plate members having slots cut therein for defining flow chambers, each of which chambers extends, transversely across said are passage, from said conduit means to the edge of the plate wherein it is formed, the axes of each of said flow chambers in said superposed plate members being displaced, with respect to each other, through a substantial angle from the axis of adjacent flow members, means for establishing the arc incident to the opening of the electrical circuit through said interrupter within said are passage, a body of arccextinguishing fluid, and means for causing a quantity of said are extinguishing fluid to flow through said conduit means and through each of said flow chambers at least during the entire period of each circuit opening operation, separate portions of said are being thereby subjected to separatestreams of fresh arc extinguishing fluid which flow transversely through said are passage in different directions.

5. In a circuit interrupter, in combination, a plurality of switch members for performing switching operations and between which an arc may be drawn, an arc passageway in which the cooperative switch members are disposed, a quantity of arc extinguishing fluid stored near the switch members, a plurality of separate conduit passageways, vented at one end only, disposed in separate parallel planes and extending transversely across the are passageway, means for connecting the conduit passageways with the stored arc extinguishing fluid for supplying the fluid to the conduit passageways, each of the conduit passageways directing a separate stream of the fluid across the arc passageway in different parallel planes, means responsive to the operation of the switch members for effecting the flow of the arc extinguishing fluid through the conduit passageways, the conduit passageways being disposed to direct a flow of arc extinguishing fluid across the are passageways in diilerent planes and in diflerent radial directions to efiect a high degree of turbulence and a rapid extinction of the arc.

- 6. In a circuit interrupter, in combination, a plurality of switch members for performing switching operations and between which an arc may be drawn, an arc passageway in which the cooperative switch members are disposed, a quantity of arc extinguishing fluid stored near the switch members, a plurality of conduit passageways leading from the stored arc extinguishing fluid for directing the fluid across the arc passageway in diflerent planes, means responsive to the operation of 'the switch members for effecting the flow of the arc extinguishing fluid through the conduit passageways, the conduit passageways being disposed to direct a flow of arc extinguishing fluid across the arc passageway in difl'erent planes and in different radial directions to eflect a high degree of turbulence and a rapid extinction of the arc, and flow directing members disposed in the conduit passageways for dividing the stream of arc extinguishing fluid to cause the rate of flow of the fluid to increase adjacent the sides of the conduit passageways and arc passageway to increase the turbulence during an arc extinguishing operation.

7. In a circuit interrupter, in combination, a plurality of switch members for performing switching operations and between which an arc may be drawn, an arc passageway in which the cooperative switch members are disposed, a quantity of arc extinguishing fluid stored near the switch members, a plurality of separate conduit passageways extending transversely across the arc passageway in difierent parallel planes, means for connecting the conduit passageways with the stored arc extinguishing fluid for supplying the fluid to the conduit passageways, each of the conduit passageways directing a separate stream of the fluid across the arc passageway in. one of the diiferent parallel planes, means responsive to the operation of the switch members for effecting the flow of the arc extinguishing fluid through the conduit passageways, the conduit passageways being disposed to direct a flow of are extinguishing fluid across the arc passageways in different planes and in diflerent radial directions to eifect a high degree of turbulence and a rapid extinction of the arc, and flow directing members disposed in the conduit passageways for dividing the stream of arc extinguishing fluid and directing the divided stream to the outside of the arc passageway to increase the turbulence during an arc extinguishing operation.

8. In a circuit interrupter, in combination, a plurality of switch members for performing switching operations and between which an arc may be drawn, an arc passageway in which the cooperative switch members are disposed, a quantity of arc extinguishing fluid stored near the switch members, a plurality of separate conduit passageways extending transversely across the arc passageway in different parallel planes, means for connecting the conduitpassageways with the stored arc extinguishing fluid for supplying the fluid to the conduit passageways, each of the conduit passageways directing a separate stream of the fluid across the arc passageway in one of the difierent parallel planes, means responsive to the operation of the switch members for efiecting the flow of the arc extinguishing fluid through the conduit passageways, the conduit passageways being disposed to direct a flow of arc extinguishing fluid across the arc passageways in difierent planes and in different radial directions to effect a high degree of turbulence and a rapid extinction of the arc, and flow directing members disposed in the conduit passageways for dividing the stream of arc extinguishing fluid and directing the divided stream to the outside of the arc passageway, the conduit passageways and the flow directing members being disposed to cooperate in centering the are drawn in the arc passageway during an arc extinguishing operation.

9. In a circuit interrupter, in combination, a quantity of arc extinguishing fluid, means for defining the walls of an arc passage, means for establishing an are within said passage, a plurality of separate conduits extending transversely to said arc,'each of said separate conduits being in separate parallel planes transverse to said arc, means for supplying each of said separate conduits with fluid from said quantity of are extinguishing fluid, means for causing said fluid to flow through said conduit during a circuit open.- ing operation to subject diflerent portions of said are to separate streams of said fluid flowing transversely to the axis of said are and at least some of said streams flowing in different directions, and means in some of said separate conduits for causing the rate of flow of said are extinguishing fluid in said conduits to increase in the edge portions of said streams adjacent the sides of said conduits before said streams encounter said are for maintaining said are centrally of said are passage.

10. In a circuit interrupter, in combination, a quantity of arc extinguishing fluid, means for establishing an arc, meansfor preventing substantial lateral movement of said arc, a plurality of separate conduits extending transversely to said are and being vented at one end only, each of said separate conduits being in separate parallel planes transverse to said arc, means for connecting the unvented end of each of said conduits with said quantity of arc extinguishing fluid, and means for causing said are extinguishing fluid to flow through said separate conduits, during a circuit opening operation, to subject said arc to a plurality of spaced, separate streams of said fluid flowing transversely of said arc, at least some of said streams flowing in different directions.

11. In a circuit interrupter, an arc extinguishing structure including means for defining the walls of an arc passage, means for establishing the arc incident to the opening of the electrical circuit through said interrupter longitudinally within said are passage, said wall defining means having a plurality of flow chambers, each of which is in a separate plane substantially parallel to the other flow chambers and extending transversely across different portions of said are passage and being vented at one end thereof only, the axes of at least some of said flow chambers being displaced, with respect to each other, through a substantial angle, a body of arc extinguishing fluid, and means, including a source of pressure and a common conduit means into which each of said flow chambers opens at the unvented end thereof, for causing a quantity of said are extinguishing fluid to flow through each of said flow chambers, at least during each circuit opening operation, separate portions of said are being thereby subjected to separate, flowing streams of fresh arc extinguishing fluid which flow transversely through said arc passage in difierent directions.

12. In a circuit interrupter, an arc extinguishing structure including means for defining the walls of an arc passage, means for establishing the arc incident to the opening of the electrical circuit through said interrupter longitudinally within said are passage, said wall defining means including means for preventing substantial lateral movement of said arc within said arc passage and having a plurality of flow chambers, each of which is in a separate plane substantially parallel to the other flow chambers and extends transversely across said are passage'and is vented at one end only, said arc passage except for said vented flow chambers being substantially completely enclosed, the axes of at least some of said flow chambers being displaced, with respect to each other, through a substantial angle, a body of arc extinguishing fluid, and means, including a source ofpressure and a common conduit means formed in said wall defining means and connecting with each of said flow chambers at the unvented end thereof for causing a quantity of said are extinguishing fluid to flow through each of said flow chambers, at least during the entire period of each circuit opening operation, separate portions of said are being thereby subjected to separate streams of fresh arc extinguishing fluid which flow transversely through said are passage in diflerent directions.

CARL REmR. 

